Wyndano’s Cloak Wins Ben Franklin Award!

May 24, 2011 – 11:04 am
 

A. R. Silverberry

It’s official! The Benjamin Franklin Award winners were announced last night at a gala ceremony on the eve of Book Expo America, in New York. Please check out these fantastic titles from small presses and Indie publishers. And if you scroll down to Juvenile/Young Adult, Wyndano’s Cloak took Gold! (Link below.)

The Benjamin Franklin Awards is one of the top honors available to independent authors, publishers, and small presses. Sponsored by the Independent Book Publishers Association, the awards celebrate excellence in editorial and design; and winners are recognized for setting the standards and the pace for the publishing industry. Judges come from all areas of the industry: major newspaper and trade media reviewers, bookstore and library buyers and reviewers, non-competing publishers, artists, and writers.

Publications, grouped by genre, are judged on editorial and design merit by top practitioners in each field. The trophies are awarded to the best books in a range of categories. The awards are open to all publishers, and 2011 saw close to 1,300 entries! Three books,  selected as finalists, advance to the final stage, one receives the gold medal, and the other two are awarded silver medals.

To give you an idea of the caliber of these awards, last year’s gold and silver medals in Juvenile/Young Adult fiction were, respectively, to The Kalevala: Tales of Magic and Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, from Shadow Mountain.

From this year, I’m particularly looking forward to reading A Carpenter’s Legacy, by Dan T Davis, The Seal Pup, by James Otis Thach, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries, by Mary Osborne, and Lisa Mangum’s Opus, The Golden Spiral.

Here’s the link to all the winners by category:

 
  
Here’s a press release for the Benjamin Franklin Award for Wyndano’s Cloak: http://www.prlog.org/11526223-benjamin-franklin-awards-gold-medal-goes-to-wyndanos-cloak.html

 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Awards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Barnes and Noble Book Tour!

May 20, 2011 – 6:02 pm

Silverberry on tour!

Last Sunday, I launched my Silicon Valley Barnes and Noble Book Tour at the Westgate Barnes and Noble in Saratoga. From the get go, I knew it would be a wonderful experience. A boy flung open the doors of the store and exclaimed, “Let’s go find books!” With such enthusiasm for reading, I’m optimistic about the future!

I’ll be back at Westgate this weekend. They’ll be doing a middle school Book Fair. Check to see if your school is involved. 5% of sales go to support designated schools. Next weekend, I’ll be at the Pruneyard Barnes and Noble in Campbell. Come early. The Branham High School Journalism Department will be featured for a Book Fair. Students will be doing a story time from 11:30 – 12:30, and my book-signing table will be open at 1 PM.

Here’s my tour schedule:

May 22, Westgate Barnes and Noble, Middle School Book Fair, 1 – 3 PM

May 28, Pruneyard Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 4 PM

June 11, Stevens Creek Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 4 PM

June 25, Westgate Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 3 PM

 

Here’s a press release about the tour:

http://www.prlog.org/11490040-silverberry-brings-magical-brew-of-sorcery-suspense-and-beguiling-characters-to-silicon-valley.html



By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Appearance, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Spirit of Giving and Community at Book Drive!

May 16, 2011 – 5:20 pm

 

 

 

The Jacob’s Heart Book Drive at the Aptos Curves was a fantastic success. People showed up with armloads of books of all kinds for children and teens. Then they jumped into one of the zumba classes. I’d never seen or heard zumba before. Alberto “Beto” Perez, a dancer and choreographer, created this dance fitness program, which combines international music such as salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and even has Indian influences. The whole idea is to make exercise fun, and let me tell you, the music is infectious. It seriously got my feet moving. If I hadn’t been behind my book table, I would’ve jumped onto the floor and joined the Curves ladies. The energy through out the day was unreal, a testimony to the Curves members, and most especially to Janna Malizia, who runs the gym in Aptos and Watsonville, and who organized the book drive. Janna has created a powerful sense of community, where people of all ages and levels of fitness feel comfortable. The whole day felt like a big party. The best part, of course, is that we were helping Jacob’s Heart children. Authors, take note: Don’t underestimate the power of your words. Books of all kinds were big on Jacob’s Heart’s wish list. The also need the following:

For Family Support:
*Prepaid gas cards from Shell or Valero @ $25 value
*Prepaid grocery cards @ $25 value
*Books for children of all ages (including bilingual books and books for teenagers)
*Nonperishable food – contact them for list of items needed at 831-724-9100
 
Office:
*Office chairs for their Salinas office
*Reams of white multipurpose copy paper
*Media cart
*Donated printing needed often! 

 

Many thanks to Janna for inviting me to join the event, and to the Curves members for allowing me to share Wyndano’s Cloak with them. It was a day I’ll always remember. Meanwhile, I’ll be looking for zumba CDs to move to in between drafts of my next novel! If you’re in the area, head on down to the Aptos Curves, you’ll feel it not only in your body, but in your heart and soul.

Many thanks also to Chris Hansen of Laser Light for introducing me to Janna!

Here are the links to the Aptos Curves Facebook page and to Jacob’s Heart. Please consider a direct donation to Jacob’s Heart. I can’t imagine a more worthy organization.

 

http://www.jacobsheart.org

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-R-Silverberry/122991764395051#!/pages/Curves-Aptos-CA/178845248822161 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Charitable Event | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Jacob’s Heart Book Drive!

May 12, 2011 – 12:03 pm

Tunic courtesy of Countess Pompahro

I’ll be making a special guest appearance at the Jacob’s Heart Book Drive in Aptos, CA, Saturday, May 14th. New or gently used children’s books, teen novels, activity books, and art books are welcome. Free zumba classes and instruction will be offered all day, along with food and great raffle prizes from local businesses. I’ll be signing copies of Wyndano’s Cloak. Pick up a copy for yourself, and buy one for a Jacob’s Heart child. Donated books will go to needy children through Jacob’s Heart, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. The event, from 10 AM – 2 PM, is at the Aptos Curves, 7960 Aptos, CA 95003. See links below to learn more about the event and Jacob’s Heart.

I hope to see you there!

Jacob’s Heart Press Release: http://www.prlog.org/11478466-jacobs-heart-book-drive-coming-to-village-square-center.html

http://jacobsheart.org/.

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Appearance, Charitable Event, Upcoming Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Wyndano’s Shortlisted for Two Ben Franklin Awards!

May 10, 2011 – 2:04 pm

A. R. SilverberryThrilling news! Wyndano’s Cloak, was selected as a finalist in two of the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Awards, the Juvenile/Young Adult prize, and the Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book (Children’s/Young Adult). Winners will be announced, on the eve of Book Expo America, during an awards ceremony, May 23, 2010, at the Jacob Javits Center, New York, NY. See link below for a full list of finalists.

 I’ve got a busy two months lined up! I’ll be making a special guest appearance at the Jacob’s Heart Book Drive in Aptos, CA, Saturday, May 14th. New or gently used children’s books, teen novels, activity books, and art books are welcome. Free zumba classes and instruction will be offered all day, along with food and great raffle prizes from local businesses. I’ll be signing copies of Wyndano’s Cloak. Pick up a copy for yourself, and buy one for a Jacob’s Heart child. Donated books will go to needy children through Jacob’s Heart, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and support their families in the challenges they face. The event, from 10 AM – 2 PM, is at the Aptos Curves, 7960 Aptos, CA 95003. See press release below for details.

I’ll be appearing at the following Barnes and Noble stores in May and June!

  •  
    • May 15, Westgate Barnes and Noble District-Wide School Book Fair, 1 – 3 PM
    • May 22, Westgate Barnes and Noble, Middle School Book Fair, 1 – 3 PM
    • May 28, Pruneyard Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 4 PM
    • June 11, Stevens Creek Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 4 PM
    • June 25, Westgate Barnes and Noble, Author Appearance, 1 – 3 PM

I hope to see you there!

 

Jacob’s Heart Press Release: http://www.prlog.org/11478466-jacobs-heart-book-drive-coming-to-village-square-center.html

 

Ben Franklin Award Finalists: http://www.ibpa-online.org/pubresources/benfrank2011_finalist.aspx

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Appearance, Book Awards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Wyndano’s Cloak a Finalist in ForeWord BOTYA!

March 20, 2011 – 5:10 pm

 

 
 

 

AR Silverberry signing books at CHC benefit

Fantastic news! Wyndano’s Cloak was selected as a finalist in the ForeWord Reviews 2010 Book of the Year Awards in the Juvenile Fiction category. Finalists were selected from 1400 entries. Winners will be announced at the ALA Convention, June 2011. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, but whatever happens, being a Finalist is a huge honor!

 
ForeWord Reviews’ BOTYA is considered one of crowning achievements available to independent authors and publishers. The ForeWord Awards program was established to help independent publishers and authors shine a spotlight on their best titles. Librarians and booksellers, on the front lines everyday working with patrons and customers, choose the finalists and winners. Since 1998, ForeWord Reviews has been one of the publishing industry’s most respected print magazine and online review service for readers, booksellers, book buyers, publishing insiders, and librarians. ForeWord is published six times a year, and each issue reaches an audience of 26,000 librarians and booksellers.  
 
Wyndano’s Cloak is posted as a Finalist on ForeWord Reviews‘ website at:

 
 

 

 

Please check out all of the finalists, searchable by genre, at 
 
 

 

 

For a press release, see:

 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 
By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Awards | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Manga and Anime Have The Greatest Fans!

March 17, 2011 – 11:02 am
 
 

A masked Silverberry.

My wife and I had a fantastic time at SacCon, Sacramento’s Comic, Toy and Anime Show. We knew we were in for something special before it started. A line of fans, braving the rain, waited outside in their costumes. When they came streaming in, our excitement was not disappointed. The convention was like being at a huge party.

Our table was in the Small Press Room, which was also home to the Art Contest. It seemed like our room was the place to be. Kids returned there through out the day, and many just sat on the floor to hang out with their friends.

See link below for more pics of me and some of the talented writers and artists I met. Trina Robbins is a prolific author of books and comics. Her title, The Brinkley Girls, is the first collection Nell Brinkley’s cartoons from 1913-1940. Brinkley was the proto-feminist icon who inspired Mae West’s screen persona. This book is high on my list! And her coloring book, Califia, is a wonderful way to teach children the story of the strong and beautiful queen of California who gave our state its name. I really enjoyed meeting Eddie Harris, creator of the comic series Of Pawns and Powers (Creed Comics). I’m looking forward to diving into the first volume, featuring his character, Herculon. It looks like great fun! I also met Jason Dube, creator of Scattered Comics, an edgy, PG13 series that hooked me in from the opening pages. I’ll be following this one! Last, but not least, my neighbor’s table was home to the talented artist, Melissa McCommon. I had to have her fairy poster. Just the kind of thing I like on my wall to inspire my imagination!

But the best part of the event was the attendees. Anime and Manga fans rock! You guys are the best!

In case you’re wondering, “Why the mask?” there’s a masked ball in Wyndano’s Cloak. I like to enter the world I’m creating as completely as I can! That mask was made for the Wyndano’s Cloak book launch at Children’s Health Council last year. More pics of me and Jason Dube, Eddie Harris, and Melissa McCommon can be found at:

http://www.arsilverberry.com/pictures-from-saccon

 
 

Transported out of Aerdem to another universe!

 

Trina Robbins’s website:

 
Melissa McCommon’s website:

 
Jason Dube’s website:

 
Eddie Harris’ websites:

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Appearance, Photos | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Pictures From SacCon!

March 17, 2011 – 10:21 am

Renaissance meet Manga!

The fantastically talented Melissa McCommon

Eddie Harris' art, on the left, speaks for itself!

It's hard to keep that mask out of my hands!

The Multi-Talented Jason Dube of Scattered Comics

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Appearance, Photos | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Wyndano’s Cloak is going to Jerusalem!

February 16, 2011 – 1:55 pm
Wyndano's CloakWyndano’s Cloak will be going to the Jerusalem International Book Fair! The U.S. Commerce Department will display Wyndano’s Cloak in the USA Pavilion, , February 20 – 25, 2011, and will help match titles to publishers and distributors interested in purchasing foreign rights and titles for the Israeli market. I’m keeping my fingers crossed; I’d love to have Wyndano’s Cloak translated into Hebrew!
 
 The Jerusalem International Book Fair happens every other year, and draws over 1200 publishers from around the world. Founded in 1963, the Fair includes participants from the Arab world, including Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan. The Fair tries to cultivate new talent by offering editorial and agent fellowship programs, and their prestigious Jerusalem Prize has been awarded to five authors who also received the Nobel Prize for literature. According to the Fair’s website, the prize is awarded, “to a writer whose work best expresses and promotes the idea of the ‘freedom of the individual in society.’ ” Jerusalem Prize winners include Bertrand Russell, Jorge Luis Borges, Eugene Ionesco, Simone de Beauvoir, Graham Green, Milan Kundera, J. M. Coetsee, Susan Sontag, Arthur Miller, and Haruki Murakami. Quite an impressive set of authors!  

More information about the Jerusalem International Book Fair may be found at http://www.jerusalembookfair.com/main.html.
 
Publishers and distributors seeking foreign rights of Wyndano’s Cloak should contact Tree Tunnel Press at http://www.treetunnelpress.com.
A press release may be found at http://tinyurl.com/4rkj99w. 
By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Expos, Jerusalem Book Fair | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Writing and Marketing Nonfiction Successfully

February 7, 2011 – 11:26 am
 I had the pleasure of meeting Beverly Flaxington at the Readers Favorite awards ceremony, where her book, Understanding Other People, was honored with the Gold Medal in the Nonfiction-Relationship genre. I found the book to be a thought-provoking, fascinating read, filled with sound advice and strategies to increase understanding and communication with others. Her writing was excellent. In fact, as I read the pages, I felt as if she were having a conversation with me. I had to interview her! Join me as we discuss her book, the keys to successful nonfiction writing, and book marketing.
 
What inspired you to write Understanding Other People?
 
After working with individuals and businesses for 25 years, helping both to make the changes to reach their goals, I kept finding people-issues coming up over and over again as roadblocks. I started to observe the common themes, and when I was asked to create a class for graduate students called “Dealing with Difficult People,” and used the information I had gathered, I received an overwhelmingly positive response. I realized I HAD to commit what I had learned to writing so others could benefit.
 
Who do you think will benefit from the book?
 
Honestly, anyone seeking to improve their relationships, understand their own frustrations with others, or understand where others may be coming from in their communication. I’ve received great feedback from managers and leaders who have found it very valuable in working with their staff members. It can be used for teambuilding exercises, too.
 
What do you think are the key elements for effective nonfiction writing?
 
Key elements are: (1) Knowing your material – having a close relationship with what you are writing about so you are speaking from experience, (2) Writing in a manner that offers not just information but also insight and helpful hints or ideas, and (3) Reading out loud what you’ve written! I had a wonderful editor and also had a couple of colleagues give me feedback before I sent the book for final print!
 
You have a great ranking on Amazon. What is driving that?
 
I used Bostick Communications early on and they distributed my first press release to a number of independent reviewers. Thankfully, many contacted me to get the book and subsequently gave me great ratings. I also asked people who told me they had bought the book (okay, I bugged some people until they did it!) and I also sought out reviewers on Amazon who seemed to read works like mine and contacted them to review my book and write a review. Many, many people that I don’t know have read the book and posted reviews – I especially love to see these pop up!
 
What other approaches are you using to market the book?
 
I have a PR firm that gets me many interviews on the radio and in magazines. I continually use my own email database to remind people about the book. I blog and Twitter. I do a lot of public speaking, and always have the book’s title included in my bio when someone presents me.
 

Any other books in the pipeline?
 
 

 

I am working on a book called “The S.H.I.F.T. Model ™ for Success” which is a goal setting and goal achievement model I created and trademarked. I hope to finish in 2011!
 

Where can people find out more about you and your books?
 
 

 

Please visit my website at
 

 

Thanks so much for joining us, and for sharing your insights!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)